Physical and mental health are interrelated. When mental conditions are disturbed and the body is not fit, the risk of contracting various diseases increases. One of them is GERD anxiety, which is a condition when stress or excessive anxiety triggers an increase in stomach acid.
Overview of GERD
GERD is a physical disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a sensation of heartburn . This condition occurs due to weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
GERD is more likely to occur in people who are obese, pregnant, or older. Habits such as lying down or sleeping immediately after eating can trigger this condition.
There are also several conditions that worsen this disease, such as smoking, extreme diets, eating patterns and consumption of foods that are not good for stomach health, poor management of anxiety and stress, and the habit of eating too much beyond the stomach's capacity (all you can eat).
So, What is GERD Anxiety?
GERD anxiety is a condition where anxiety affects the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus (GERD). This condition is not only caused by bad habits, but also by stress and excessive anxiety.
GERD sufferers who are unable to manage feelings of anxiety and stress well are at risk of worsening their condition, because these psychological disorders can affect the function of the digestive system.
If you have a history of GERD, the risk of experiencing GERD anxiety when feeling anxious will be higher than people who do not have a history of GERD.
How is GERD and Anxiety Linked?
GERD conditions can worsen the anxiety felt by sufferers. On the other hand, excessive anxiety can increase a person's risk of developing GERD.
Anxiety can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, making it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest ( heartburn ). In addition, anxiety can also interfere with esophageal movement, which contributes to acid reflux.
Anxiety is believed to increase sensitivity to pain and also trigger increased production of stomach acid in the body. On the other hand, the negative impact of GERD on quality of life can also cause anxiety and depression.
GERD Symptoms Anxiety
People with GERD anxiety usually experience complaints similar to acid reflux. However, these physical symptoms are often accompanied by anxiety disorders. Some of the symptoms are as follows:
- Nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach.
- Heartburn .
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Feeling anxious.
- Heart beats fast.
- A cold sweat.
How Dangerous is GERD Anxiety?
In fact, GERD anxiety can be prevented or its impact can be minimized. However, if left untreated, this condition can worsen the quality of life of the sufferer.
Physical symptoms can also worsen due to uncontrolled stress. For example, symptoms such as heartburn can appear more frequently and intensely when the sufferer is under severe stress.
If it continues, GERD anxiety can cause long-term impacts and become more serious. Medical and psychological treatment will also be more complex.
In addition, untreated GERD can also trigger anxiety. When symptoms recur suddenly, sufferers can feel anxious because this condition interferes with daily activities and routines.
GERD Anxiety Treatment
GERD anxiety will not be cured if you only rely on medication. Sufferers need to take various steps to relieve symptoms completely.
Here are some steps that can be taken to overcome GERD anxiety:
- Avoid consuming foods that can cause GERD, such as spicy and high-fat foods, fried foods, chocolate, or sour foods.
- Stay away from alcoholic or caffeine-containing drinks.
- Adjust your diet by eating small portions of food more frequently.
- Manage stress and anxiety well, by doing activities that support mental health such as exercise and meditation.
- Practice good sleeping habits.
When to See a Doctor?
GERD anxiety is a condition that can be prevented and managed well if the sufferer adopts a healthy lifestyle and is able to manage anxiety and stress well.
Consult a doctor immediately if your GERD anxiety condition does not improve. This condition can worsen the symptoms of GERD and anxiety that you are experiencing, as well as disrupting daily activities.
The doctor will determine the right type of treatment to speed up your recovery. The sooner GERD anxiety is treated properly, the greater the chance of optimal recovery.
Article written by dr. Diana Lilim, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).